2019 West: Premier Sea Services Event San Diego

USMC Theater: Amphibious Vehicle Test Branch (AVTB) Overview (Room USMC Theater, Hall C)

The Amphibious Vehicle Test Branch (AVTB) since its inception in 1943 has been the premier test agency within the Marine Corps for the testing of combat vehicles and their sub-systems that support the nation’s ability to execute expeditionary warfare. While historically focused on the testing of amphibious vehicles, AVTB has evolved into executing testing of other ground combat vehicles, weapon systems, and communication systems. The test agency supports a plethora of performance evaluation criteria and can execute testing under a multitude of environments. Typical tests may encompass automotive performance, shock/vibration, tactical mobility, transportability, sustainability, human factors, and Reliability/Availability/Maintainability (RAM). AVTB also facilitates real-world use feedback through its extensive use of Marines aboard Camp Pendleton. Additionally, the unique topography and geography of Camp Pendleton affords AVTB the ability to conduct testing in open-ocean, littoral, protected water, mountainous and desert-like terrain. Finally, AVTB possesses the ability to liaison-with and test at any other DoD facility. Supported by a dynamic work force consisting of engineers, equipment operators/maintainers, machinists, finance specialists, contracting specialist and more, AVTB is poised to support testing of the Marine Corps’ equipment related expeditionary warfare requirements of the future.